Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services
Ride-Along Program
Thank you for your interest in MEMS’ ride-along program. You
Willneed tosubmit a written request to ride-along to MEMS Training
Captain along with Forms TR-1, TR-2, TR-3 and TR-4 enclosed in this
Packet.
Failure to submit all required information will result in denial of ride-along. You may submit materials in person to MEMS at 1101 West 8th Street in Little Rock or by mail to MEMS, attention Training, P.O. Box 2452, Little Rock, 72203-2452.
Please allow at least one week for processing of paperwork once it has been received. You may then contact MEMS Scheduling Manager at 501-301-1461 to set up your ride-along time.
Thank you,
Janelle Johnson, NREMT-P
Captain, Training Supervisor
Metropolitan EMS
Ride-Along policy
The goal of MEMS’ Third Rider (Ride-Along) Program is to provide a learning atmosphere for persons observing our paramedics and EMT’s. Any request to ride third may require a written request. Riding third is a privilege and not a right and MEMS reserves the right to revoke or suspend this privilege at anytime. Third riders understand that they will take their direction from the Paramedic assigned to the unit. If at anytime the Paramedic believes that the third rider is negatively affecting the crew or patient care in any way the third rider will be taken off the truck and may have their privilege to ride revoked.
All third riders will be required to sign a waiver of liability before being allowed to ride. This waiver advises them of the dangers involved in the operation of emergency vehicles and the inherent challenges with rendering emergency medical services in the field. Those other than students wanting to ride along will be required to submit a written request to ride and complete third rider preparatory material. Third riders will not be assigned with regard to race, sex, or other criteria, nor will they be given the option of choosing a particular crew or unit.
Third riding was designed for people in the following categories:
1.Students: EMS, nursing, or medical students who are currently enrolled in an
approved medical program.
2.Government Officials
3.Court mandated offenders
4.Explorers
5.MEMS family members
6.Those interested in EMS as a career
7.Media
Rev. June 2004Page 1 of 5
Attire
All third riders are expected to present a professional, business-like image at all times.
- Hair should be clean, combed, and neatly trimmed or arranged. Shaggy, unkempt hair is not permissible. Unnatural coloring and non-conventional styles that present an unprofessional appearance are not permissible. Women’s hair longer than shoulder length must be pulled back and secured; pigtails are not permissible. Men’s hair length should not touch the bottom of the collar; ponytails are not permissible.
- Jewelry should be limited to a wedding band, watch, and ID bracelet. Earrings are limited to one stud in each ear lobe. Necklaces should be worn inside the shirt. No other visible body piercing (eyebrow rings, tongue studs, multiple earrings, etc.) is allowed.
- Make-up should be conservative.
- Colognes, perfumes, and scented lotions or sprays should be used sparingly, if at all.
- ALL TATOOS MUST BE CONCEALED.
- Fingernails should be clean and moderate in length. Nail polish, if used, should be a neutral, soft tone.
- Shirts are to have all buttons buttoned with the exception of the collar button.
Clothing must be neat, clean, and pressed. Worn, tattered, stained or faded clothing is not acceptable.
CONVENTIONAL AND ACCEPTABLE ATTIRE INCLUDES:
EMS, Nursing or Sponsoring school or agency approved uniform.
Medical Students:(Subject to inspection and approval by MEMS). Scrubs and tennis shoes may be worn by nursing or medical students.
Military EMS:Government issued attire (i.e. BDU/Fatigues)
All Others:Tan, black or navy dress pants (i.e. Dockers); black or brown belt; solid, light blue L/S or S/S Oxford or polo with collar and with discreet insignias or brand markings; shoes should be lace able, clean and polished if leather; tennis shoes are allowed if clean and in good repair. Weather appropriate clothing such as raincoats or cold weather coats should be conservative in color and have discreet insignias or brand markings.
Those not following these guidelines will not be allowed to ride-along.
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PROCEDURES FOR THIRD RIDING
MEMS’ third rider program operates under the oversight of the Training Department.
All required documentation should be submitted to the Training Department prior to scheduling time to ride along.
Students
Instructors are required to
1.Provide proof of liability and malpractice insurance.
2.Provide MEMS with a signed Memorandum of Understanding.
3.Provide MEMS with a list of all students requesting to ride along.
4.Proctor their own students.
5.Must work with MEMS’ Schedule Manger to schedule their students.
6.Only allowed to function as outlined by MEMS’ Medical Director.
Government Officials & Court mandated offenders
1. Present documentation by government agency stating requirement for riding.
2. Meet with Executive Director.
3.Sign the waiver of liability.
4.Follow the direction of the MEMS Paramedic to whom they are assigned.
Family ride along program.
MEMS seeks to help the families of our employees by offering an opportunity for spouses and adult family members to see first hand the life of a Medic for a day. To participate in this program:
1.The employee should provide a written request to the Training Supervisor.
4.The family member will receive third rider preparatory information.
3.Sign a Waiver of Liability and Understanding.
4.They will be scheduled on space available basis.
5.May ride for the complete shift with their family member
6.Cannot be stationed in an outlying station for an entire shift.
Rev. June 2004Page 3 of 5
General public with career interest
Third riding is offered to those interested in MEMS as a possible career.
To participate in this program you must:
1.Provide a written request to ride along to the Training Supervisor.
2.Successfully complete third rider preparatory information.
3. Complete background information sheet.
3.Sign a waiver of liability and understanding.
News crews (television or Newspaper)
1.Get permission from either the Executive Director or the Director of
Operations
2.Not violate patient confidentially by printing or showing pictures that
would link a patient to a scene.
3.Not print or divulge a patient’s name with out the patient’s permission.
Third Rider participation materials
The materials consists of the following:
1.An overview of MEMS
2.An overview of infection control procedures
3.An overview of safety
4.An overview of confidentiality
5.Written knowledge evaluation of materials presented
Rev. June 2004Page 4 of 5
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Due to the busy nature of EMS, you may or may not get a chance to eat a meal.
You may bring money to attempt a fast food run, or a sack lunch. There is
usually a microwave available.
- You should limit any “extra” items you bring with you to a purse, backpack, lunch carrier, etc. There is limited room for securing items in the ambulance so excess baggage will not be carried.
- Due to the nature of the emergency medical system, MEMS cannot guarantee you will be off the ambulance by a certain time of day. You should plan on riding for the entire shift and account for “late calls” that may require you to remain with the ambulance crew for longer than the scheduled time.
- You must present picture identification, i.e. driver’s license, upon reporting to MEMS’ headquarters for your ride-along. All preparatory course paperwork and release forms must be signed and turned in to MEMS’ Training Department before you will be scheduled to ride along.
- If you have scheduled a ride-along and cannot make that scheduled time, every effort should be made to notify MEMS of your cancellation. Anyone scheduled to ride-along who does not show up for his or her scheduled time is subject to denial for any future ride-along. This includes students.
6. After being approved to ride, ride-along participants will be required to contact the
Schedule Manager. The schedules are set up on a first come first serve basis,
with students taking priority. Third riders will schedule their time to coincide with
shift changes.
7. Ride-along participants are to report to 1101 West 8th in order to get on their
assigned unit. Participants should report to the Shift Supervisor or Schedule
Manager
- MEMS requires that all ride-along participants meet the same criteria as
employees with regard to appearance, rules and regulations of the company, and
above all, the maintenance of patient confidentiality.
Rev. June 2004Page 5 of 5
Metropolitan EMS
Third Rider Preparation Material
Please read the following information completely. You will need to answer the questions at the end of the information and submit to MEMS’ Training Department along with a written request to ride along, background information sheet, and release forms prior to scheduling your ride-along time.
I. BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES AND PERSONAL PROTECTION
Some diseases are caused by microorganisms that are borne (carried) in a person’s bloodstream. Contact with blood infected with such microorganisms may lead to infection. Of the many bloodborne pathogens, three pose significant health threats in the EMS environment: hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
In most cases, you can control the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens by wearing the proper personal protective equipment and by following some simple procedures.
Personal Protective Equipment
Blood-Borne Disease
Personal protective equipment (PPE) blocks entry of an organism into the body. The most common type of protection is gloves. MEMS provides several sizes of latex gloves for you to use while riding along. You need to make sure there are gloves to fit you on the ambulance you are riding with. The crew you are assigned to will help you find the right size. You must wear gloves at all times while observing patient care and transport. If you have a latex sensitivity, advise the crew to whom you are assigned and they will be glad to provide you with latex-free gloves.
Protective eye, face, and/or clothing protection or a combination of these may be necessary in some emergencies. MEMS provides these for all ambulance personnel, including third riders. Your assigned crew can assist you with personal protective equipment.
Third Rider Preparation Material
Rev. June 2004Page 1 of 6
Wearing PPE and handwashing provide optimal personal protection. If you have
been exposed to blood or body fluids, follow these steps:
- Remove your gloves and wash your hands and contaminated body area immediately with soap and water. Rub your hands together vigorously for at least 10-15 seconds (work up a lather), then rinse your hands and dry them with a paper towel.
- Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet so that you do not re-contaminate yourself or others.
- If you cannot wash immediately with soap and water, use sanitizing hand gel provided by MEMS and wash with soap and water as soon as possible.
- Flush your eyes, nose, and other mucous membranes with water if they have been exposed.
- Report any exposure to the crew you are assigned to immediately. They will follow MEMS’ policy on exposures and guide you through the process.
Remember: If it is wet it is considered infectious.
Airborne Disease
Infective organisms (eg. Bacteria, viruses) that are introduced into the air
by coughing or sneezing are said to be “airborne.” Droplets of mucous that carry
those bacteria or viruses can be inhaled by other individuals. The rate of
tuberculosis (TB) has increased recently and is receiving much attention. TB is
caused by bacteria and sometimes settles in the lungs and can be fatal. Assume
that anyone with a cough, especially one who is in a nursing home or shelter,
may have TB. A special mask called a hepa-filtered mask is available for use
with suspected air-borne pathogen patients. The crew you are assigned to will
assist you in using the hepa-mask.
You should keep your gloved hands away from your face and unprotected skin until your gloves have been disposed of and your hands washed with warm water
and soap.
Third Rider Preparation Material
Rev. June 2004 Page 2 of 6
II. CONFIDENTIALITY
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) speaks to patient confidentially and the protection of personal medical information of the people we care for and transport. When someone calls 911 they open up their life to our EMS crew and divulge information that their own family might not know about them. Name, birth date, address, reason for calling us, current medications are examples of confidential information. Trust and Respect are the cornerstones of MEMS. The patient trusts us to be professional and hold in confidence the information we gather during their care.
Not only is this a policy of MEMS but it is now a federal law. As an observer riding with MEMS, you will be privy to the same information and are expected to honor the rules of confidentiality. You can do this by not talking to bystanders on the scene or at the hospital, not talking to your family or friends about specific details of your observation time and not talking to other third riders or employees of MEMS outside of the crew your were riding with. This includes company operational procedures and policies. Any breach of confidentiality by someone riding along with MEMS may be pursued under the full extent of the law.
We want you to enjoy your observation time and understand you will want to tell your family/friends what you did/saw. However, you need to relate what you have seen in generalities. There is a big difference between saying “I saw this guy who had been shot” and “I saw this guy who was shot at 1234 Anywhere Street in the brown siding house with the red truck in the drive whose name is Joe.”
III. SCENE SAFETY
There are certain calls we receive and certain areas of our service we respond to that are identified as “dangerous.” Furthermore, any call and any area can become dangerous. For this reason, it is imperative you stay with your assigned EMS crew at all times. Do not wander around a scene. Do not wander off. Make sure you are always in eye-sight of the crew you are with. Each crew member has a personal hand-held radio with direct contact to our communications center (a.k.a. help). If you wander off and get into trouble or a scene becomes hostile you could be injured and no one would know. If a scene becomes hostile our crew may retreat to the ambulance and relocate to a safe location. If you are not with them or where they can see you they will not take time to look for you. They are trained and required to protect themselves. You may be left at a scene.
Should you need to go to the ambulance for any reason (ex. Uneasy about situation or ill) you need to let the crew know exactly where you are. If you are out at a hospital and you need to go to the restroom or get a drink you need to let the crew know exactly where you are going.
Third Rider Preparation Material
Rev. June 2004 Page 3 of 6
Do not get tunnel-vision on a scene. You will see things that may shock you but you cannot get so focused on an injury or illness that you quit paying attention to what is around you. This is imperative on vehicle accident scenes. If you do not keep your head up on a call you can become injured.
Just because you have a dog does not mean the one at the patient’s residence is just like yours or will respond to you in a kind manner. That is the animal’s domain and when we violate that domain with all of our big, noisy equipment the animal can become very protective. Do not try to pet or provoke any animal on a scene. If you feel threatened by an animal you need to notify the crew you are with and retreat to a safe location.
Finally, the most important thing you can do is listen to the crew you are with. They will not intentionally place you in harms way. They may ask you to remain in the ambulance at times for your safety. Do not question them or argue with them.
Third Rider Preparation Material
Rev. June 2004 Page 4 of 6
Review QuestionsForm TR-1
Print Name:______
Please answer the following ten questions using the information found in the Third Rider Preparation Material. These questions must be complete and turned in to MEMS’ Training Department before you will be allowed to ride.
- What are three significant blood-borne health threats in the EMS environment?
- How can you control the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens while observing with MEMS?
- List 3 forms of personal protective equipment available to you while riding
along with MEMS.